(CNN) – On the day Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann released a doctor's letter detailing her treatment for migraines, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty took a not-so-veiled swipe at his 2012 presidential campaign rival.

Although he declined to comment directly on the implications of Bachmann's headaches when questioned, choosing to "defer to the judgment of the medical professionals," Pawlenty did tack on an aside assessment of the qualifications needed to serve as president.
"The candidates are going to have to be able to demonstrate they can do all of the job, all of the time," Pawlenty said.

He made the comments about the congresswoman while campaigning for the 2012 GOP nomination for president in Iowa, the state where Bachmann was born and where she's been attempting to build a home-field advantage.

Iowa will host the Ames Straw Poll in August, an early predictor of how Republican candidates may fare in the critical first-in-the-nation caucus state during its early presidential contest.

Across the nation in California, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had an opposing view. "There's no question in my mind that Michele Bachmann's health is in no way an impediment to her being able to serve as president," he said.

Bachmann has been chasing Romney's lead in recent polls. He noted they have "different views" on some issues but stated, "We'll campaign in various states and express our views but her health should not be an issue in a campaign."

soundoff(131 Responses)

No, because he's down to just a couple cigs a day, is obviously in great health (plays basketball regularly, etc.) and does not have a condition that can unexpectedly come on that incapacitates him and possibly puts him in the hospital for a couple days (like migraines).

July 21, 2011 12:30 pm at 12:30 pm |

oussu

After stating ""There's no question in my mind that Michele Bachmann's health is in no way an impediment to her being able to serve as president", former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney then went on to say "it's her complete lack of ability and moronic views that will significantly impeded her serving as president".

July 21, 2011 12:32 pm at 12:32 pm |

Voice of Reason

Ah primary season – when politicians eat their young... I love how the GOP candidates are falling over each other to pounce on any percieved vulnerability in each other. Obama just has to sit back and let them go at it till after the primaries.

July 21, 2011 12:33 pm at 12:33 pm |

Voice of Reason

Either way – i think it's settled. Our next President will NOT be from the state of Minnesota.

July 21, 2011 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

Tex71

Bachmann's qualifications to serve as POTUS are indeed a matter for medical professionals – in the psychiatric field!